Island in Kagoshima, Japan
Yakushima
A wet, mountainous UNESCO island with ancient cedar forests, moss gorges and hot springs, reached by flight or jetfoil from Kagoshima. Hiking is superb but needs planning, rain gear and early starts; services are few.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$1,580–2,410Comfortable, one person · ¥250,000–380,000Details
- Value for money57/100Better value than 56% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–May, Oct–NovWarmest: Aug, 29°CDetails
- Internet234 MbpsFixed broadband, Japan medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableSafe to drink; the island's mountain water is famous and often drunk straight from springs.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$19–44Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundRental carYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCards work at some hotels and supermarkets, but guesthouses, small restaurants and shuttle buses often need cash.Details
Where to stay in Yakushima
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Miyanoura | Main port, supermarkets and Jomon Sugi trek access |
| Anbo | Second port and base for Shiratani and Yakusugi Land |
| Onoaida and Nagata | Quiet south and west coasts with beaches and hot springs |
Apps that work in Yakushima
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: LINE
- Visit Japan Web: Immigration and customs QR codes
- Suica or PASMO: Trains, buses and konbini payments
- Safety tips: Official quake, tsunami and weather alerts in English
- Taxis: No ride apps; taxis are few, so book trailhead pickups and airport rides ahead. Hotels and guesthouses can arrange them.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Japan.
- Mostly cash Cards work at some hotels and supermarkets, but guesthouses, small restaurants and shuttle buses often need cash. Bring yen from Kagoshima.
- Currency: Yen (JPY). US$1 ≈ ¥157.82 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: 7-Eleven, Japan Post and AEON ATMs take foreign cards; ¥100,000 per withdrawal at 7-Eleven; small fee; decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: Not done and can confuse staff. Some restaurants add a 10% service charge, and izakaya often add a small seating charge (otoshi).
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay, Google Pay and contactless cards widely accepted; Suica or PASMO in Apple Wallet; PayPay shops take Alipay+ wallets.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Register on Visit Japan Web before flying to get immigration and customs QR codes instead of paper forms.
- JESTA, an online pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors, is planned by fiscal 2028; it is not required yet.
- The International Tourist Tax rose to ¥3,000 per departure on 1 July 2026, normally included in airfares.
Emergency numbers
Police 110 · Ambulance 119 · Fire 119 · Tourist police 050-3816-2787
Plugs
Type A, B. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Data-only SIMs and eSIMs sold at airports and Bic Camera or Yodobashi, about ¥2,000–6,000; voice numbers need a residence card. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Japan
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.